B/R NFL 1,000: Top 40 Inside Linebackers

Who are the best inside linebackers in today's NFL? Fans of a certain team are going to be happy with our selections.

Inside linebackers have to be able to stop the run or break back in pass coverage. They need the speed to range to the sideline and the strength to bust through blockers and tackle big backs. To determine who's best, we've assessed how well today's ILBs exemplified those traits in 2011.

B/R 1,000 rankings don't assess who had the best year, or even who has the most potential. Rather, players are judged on their current skills and mechanics, based on film study of the 2011 NFL preseason and regular season only.

After hours spent scouting every starter and every potential starter, the top 40 inside linebackers have been scored on 10 criteria (more on the criteria here). In the slides that follow, we'll explain each player's strengths and weaknesses as the final ranking is revealed.

40. Barrett Ruud, Seattle Seahawks

Agility

Has his limitations but is talented enough to be effective between the tackles.

Coverage

2

Of no use against the pass.

Pass Rush

3

Can't get to the quarterback.

Read & React

7

Good instincts. Will get to the right place in time.

Run Defense

4

Needs to work on taking the right angles.

Shed Blocks

6

Not powerful or fast enough to break free with any consistency.

Speed

6

Unable to be a threat at the edge.

Strength

7

Decent strength, but not enough to make a big impact.

Tackle

5

Sorely lacking this fundamental key to the position.

Health

6

Missed seven games in 2011.

Overall

52

Barret Ruud was replaced in the Titans lineup by Colin McCarthy after going down on injured reserve, and McCarthy flourished in his place. Just picked up by Seattle, Ruud could serve as David Hawthorne's replacement in the Seahawks linebacking corps if he's recovered from the groin and shoulder injuries that kept him out for most of 2011.

Coverage

Pass Rush

Read & React

Run Defense

Can be effective when he stands his ground. Too easily knocked off course when in pursuit.

Shed Blocks

4

Will get stuck in traffic.

Speed

5

Struggles to reach the edge.

Strength

9

Has what it takes to hold his position against the run.

Tackle

5

Lots of misses without the right instincts or technique.

Health

8

Sat out three games in 2011.

Overall

56

Maualuga has the overall skill set to be very good, but his issues on and off the field have added up. The Bengals need more consistency at the position. It's time to put up or shut up for the former USC star.

Coverage

Pass Rush

Read & React

Excellent instincts that are near elite as far as pre-snap reads and getting his teammates lined up correctly.

Run Defense

5

Below-average run defender that oftentimes takes bad routes to the ball.

Shed Blocks

7

Good fundamentals when getting off blocks by Farrior. Uses his hands and lower body well.

Speed

5

Below-average speed. Won't be winning any races anytime soon.

Strength

7

Possesses good upper-body strength and a solid core.

Tackle

7

Decent tackler but doesn't have elite fundamentals in this area.

Health

9

Missed two games in 2011.

Overall

63

Farrior is indisputably a leader and has an incredible football IQ that makes up for some of his deficiencies. Farrior battled injury in 2011 and is seeing his career near its end, as his recent release from the Steelers indicates.

20. Desmond Bishop, Green Bay Packers

Agility

Coverage

Can be slow to transition into coverage. Doesn't offer much in terms of cover skills.

Pass Rush

8

Does a nice job attacking through the A-gap and making plays on the backfield.

Read & React

6

Bishop does a good job getting the defense set up, but he can be slow to react to play-action and misdirection.

Run Defense

6

Strong enough to make tackles but can struggle to close gaps.

Shed Blocks

5

Doesn't show great strength to take on and release from blockers at the second level.

Speed

7

Shows the speed to extend and make plays outside the tackle box.

Strength

8

Has good strength to take on backs in the hole and win battles.

Tackle

9

Won't let many runners get through his grasp.

Health

8

Sat out three games in 2011.

Overall

68

An athletic inside linebacker with good range, Bishop has the skills to extend and reach the ball on outside plays. Where the five-year vet struggles is taking on blocks and breaking free to lock down the inside run.

19. Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys

Agility

Lee has good natural quickness and strength with a solid athletic streak.

Coverage

3

Doesn't show the quick feet or hips to keep up with receivers and tight ends in space.

Pass Rush

8

Has the strength and burst to be a major impact rushing the passer through the middle and even off the edge on blitzes.

Read & React

6

A smart player who is rarely out of position but can be late to read and react. More experience will help.

Run Defense

8

Tough to get around in the middle of the field, he shows good range to take on off-tackle runs.

Shed Blocks

7

Uses his hands well to break free of blockers who do work through and take him on.

Speed

6

Initial quickness is solid, but we won't see him running down any backs from behind.

Strength

7.5

Has good strength throughout, showing the power to stand up blockers and lock down gaps.

Tackle

6.5

Shows good range but will often let runners slip through his arms. Needs to be better at locking up.

Health

9

Missed one game in 2011.

Overall

68

Sean Lee is a great fit in a 3-4 defense, and given more experience, the Cowboys' Round 2 pick in 2010 has the tools to become very good. Lee's physical makeup and run-support skills make him one of the more impressive young run defenders in the NFL.

18. Bart Scott, New York Jets

Agility

Range and quickness aren't what they used to be for the 10-year vet, but he's more than athletic enough to hold his own.

Coverage

6

Runs hot and cold in coverage, showing good strength to stick tight ends coming over the middle but with feet too heavy to keep up in coverage.

Pass Rush

6

Has the strength to get through the line of scrimmage but lacks great closing speed.

Read & React

8

Scott does a great job recognizing the formation pre-snap and getting himself in position to make plays.

Run Defense

8

A very strong run-defender who is strong enough to lock down the inside run. Can extend to the outside with good consistency.

Shed Blocks

7

Strong enough to shed blocks and run free.

Speed

6

Scott has good, not great, speed.

Strength

7

Shows good strength to take on blockers and bang with runners inside the tackles.

Tackle

4

Will make good impact and puts himself in good position, but he misses far too many tackles.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

68

Bart Scott has become more of a thumper in the Jets defense, taking on blockers and directing the defense while David Harris and others clean up the mess and make tackles. Scott's missed tackle numbers are a big part of his low score.

16. David Harris, New York Jets

Agility

Harris may not be fast, but he has very good quickness and natural strength.

Coverage

8

One of the better inside linebackers at jamming tight ends and turning his hips to run in coverage.

Pass Rush

5

Isn't asked to rush the passer much, as he's much more valuable in coverage than closing on the quarterback.

Read & React

7

Shows good instincts and a good ability to anticipate where the ball is going.

Run Defense

5

Harris has good natural strength to lock up inside runs, but his production and efficiency stopping the run isn't great.

Shed Blocks

7

Has strong hands and upper body that let him toss blockers off if they don't get their hands inside his shoulders.

Speed

6

Is a bit limited in his ability to reach the sideline.

Strength

8

A strong 250-pound player with good upper- and lower-body strength. Definitely not an issue.

Tackle

7

Will miss a few tackles too many but has the strength and aggressive style of play to improve.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

70

David Harris is a solid run-stopper who is one of the more underrated coverage 'backers in the game. Harris looks like a big, strong, heavy linebacker, but he has very good speed and agility to make plays both in space and in coverage.

15. Curtis Lofton, New Orleans Saints

Agility

A quick player with fluid feet and hips, Lofton shows great range in space.

Coverage

6

Shows good ability to turn and run but can be weak in press coverage.

Pass Rush

7

Has a good feel for the pass rush and can use his speed to beat interior blockers on delayed blitzes.

Read & React

7

Smart player who gets into good position before the snap and has shown the ability to read and flow to the football.

Run Defense

7

Does a good job taking out the run game, showing nice range and good ability to reach the edge.

Shed Blocks

6

Doesn't have great strength to disengage from blockers.

Speed

7

Has very good speed to keep up with tight ends or catch backs running on the edge.

Strength

6

Doesn't have great strength to dominate players at the point of impact.

Tackle

7

Lofton won't let many runners get through his arms.

Health

10

Didn't miss any time in 2011.

Overall

70

Curtis Lofton is a very athletic, rangy inside linebacker who fits well in a 4-3 scheme, where he can be protected from blockers and free to run. Lofton takes very good angles to the ball off-tackle, but the new New Orleans Saint needs to get stronger and improve his ability to shed blockers.

14. Karlos Dansby, Miami Dolphins

Agility

The 250-pound Dansby is a good athlete with nice range, quick feet and nice balance when moving in space.

Coverage

7

A player with good quickness to get out from middle and keep up with targets.

Pass Rush

6

Can extend and get to the quarterback up the middle but needs to show stronger moves inside.

Read & React

7

Has quick instincts but can find himself out of position on run plays.

Run Defense

7

Dansby does a good job getting to the edge and is quick enough to cut off the ball. Could work on his discipline a bit more.

Shed Blocks

7

Uses his long arms to generate space between himself and blockers.

Speed

7

Fast enough to get to the edge, Dansby has pursuit-style speed.

Strength

7

Strong enough to take a hit on the move and stay on point.

Tackle

5

Will miss too many tackles both in run and pass situations.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

70

Dansby has done well transitioning from a hybrid defense in Arizona to the 3-4 in Miami, and he'll get to make the move again as the Dolphins transition to a 4-3 in 2012. As a middle linebacker, Dansby has very good range and athleticism, showing solid skills in coverage but weak tackling skill.

13. Daryl Washington, Arizona Cardinals

Agility

A super fluid athlete who has quick feet, loose hips and excellent speed.

Coverage

8

Has the speed to be a factor in coverage. Shows the quickness to keep up with most players he covers.

Pass Rush

5

Washington isn't used much in pass-rushing situations, but he's athletic enough to be a threat.

Read & React

6

Instincts and recognition skills could improve, but at 25 has room to grow.

Run Defense

5

Shows great range but doesn't have the strength to shut down the run between the tackles.

Shed Blocks

5

Lacks the strength to beat blockers when locked up. Does a better job beating blockers to the ball.

Speed

9.5

Has rare speed for the inside linebacker position. Can get to the edge and keep up with receivers, backs and tight ends without missing a step.

Strength

7

Has improved his strength but could still add a little bulk to his 230-pound frame.

Tackle

6.5

Lets runners bounce off him too often, but improved strength and technique (head up, arms wide) should come this offseason.

Health

9

Sat out one game in 2011.

Overall

70

One of the brightest young linebackers in the NFL, Daryl Washington's speed and athleticism separate him from most ILBs in the league today. A second-round pick out of TCU in 2010, if Washington continues to improve at his current rate, he'll be a top-five player very soon.

12. London Fletcher, Washington Redskins

Agility

Fletcher's age has caught up to him, as he shows noticeably more stiffness and less speed towards the tail end of his career.

Coverage

6

Has very good instincts but lacks the range to make plays in coverage.

Pass Rush

4

Rarely gets to the quarterback on a pass rush; Fletcher isn't asked to rush very often.

Read & React

9

One of the smartest, best-prepared players in the NFL. He's rarely out of position.

Run Defense

8

Tough and instinctive in the run game, Fletcher is nearly impossible to run away from.

Shed Blocks

8

Uses his hands to break free, does a great job turning his shoulders to keep an arm free.

Speed

6

Lacks elite speed for the position.

Strength

8

Has great natural strength combined with a very good understanding of how to use his body.

Tackle

5

Fletcher missed a surprising number of tackles in 2011—14 total according to ProFootballFocus.

Health

10

Didn't miss any time in 2011.

Overall

70

London Fletcher is on the last leg of a very good career, and at this point the free agent's value comes from experience, leadership and production. Few players are better at preparing each week for the opponent. Fletcher remains a solid run-stopper who defies odds with his smaller-than-ideal stature.

11. Takeo Spikes, San Diego Chargers

Agility

Never fleet of foot, the 35-year-old's agility has taken a downturn in recent years.

Coverage

5

Limited quickness and agility keep Spikes from being a factor in coverage.

Pass Rush

6

Has the strength to get through blockers but isn't quick enough to press the pocket.

Read & React

10

An instinctive, smart middle linebacker who brings incredible leadership and vision to the defense.

Run Defense

5

Is no longer the lockdown run-defender he used to be due to limited range and quickness.

Shed Blocks

8

Still strong enough to shed blocks but can be susceptible to being blocked on the move.

Speed

5

Limited speed to react to plays outside the tackle box.

Strength

8

Has great strength, including good bulk and power in his upper body.

Tackle

8

When Spikes can make an impact, he rarely misses tackles. Has a strong, fundamentally sound form.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

71

Takeo Spikes is quickly nearing the end of his career, with maybe one more good year left in the tank. His 2011 was successful, as Spikes moved to San Diego and appeared as a "TED" linebacker, where he was asked to stop the run and take on blockers. Spikes' role in 2012 will be to provide leadership and experience on the Chargers defense.

10. Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

Agility

Timmons has ideal quickness and flexibility but lacks some body control and balance that would score him higher.

Coverage

5

Wasn't much of a factor in coverage in 2011, struggling to turn and run on time. Was out of position often.

Pass Rush

8

Has very good skills as a pass-rusher. Can blast the inside gaps or loop around the edge.

Read & React

7

Stepped up in 2011 for the limited James Farrior. Timmons is showing nice recognition skills when looking at the offense pre-snap.

Run Defense

6

Has nice range but was too often getting washed down at the point of attack.

Shed Blocks

7

Has the upper-body strength to get through blocks but could do a better job keeping his outside arm free to turn runners back inside.

Speed

7

Upper-level speed and burst are a strong point. There aren't many parts of the field he can't reach.

Strength

7

Is powerful enough to make plays through traffic, showing nice total-body strength.

Tackle

7

Shows good ability in run and pass defense, using a tight grip when wrapping up ball carriers.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

71

Timmons' production went down some in 2011 as the team around him suffered injuries, but the Steelers' first-round pick in '07 remains one of the best in the game (and turning just 26 in May). Timmons brings good size, strength and a solid run-stopping ability. What often gets lost on onlookers is that he's also capable as a blitzer and in coverage. One of the most well-rounded inside linebackers in the game.

9. Stephen Tulloch, Detroit Lions

Agility

Doesn't possess great agility but has nice footwork and clean technique.

Coverage

9

Does a good job jamming ends and backs, combined with good ability to turn and run with targets.

Pass Rush

4

Tulloch has limited ability to shoot the gaps and bring down the quarterback.

Read & React

8

Is excellent at sniffing out the ball and picking up on tells before the snap.

Run Defense

7

Does a good job not only making tackles in the run game, but also closing down his assignment and forcing the run inside for his Lions teammates.

Shed Blocks

8

Tulloch shows good hand strength and speed, but he also runs out of a lot of blocks. Is a hard 'backer to keep a hold of.

Speed

6

Has good enough speed to lock down the field between the tackles.

Strength

8

Has very good overall strength with big, solid legs and arms.

Tackle

6

A powerful, violent hitter, but Tulloch lets too many tackles go in the open field.

Health

10

Didn't miss any time in 2011.

Overall

72

Stephen Tulloch is a perfect fit at inside linebacker in Detroit's 4-3 scheme. The six-year vet from NC State is a big, aggressive hitter who puts the fear of God into tight ends, backs and wide receivers who decide to cross the middle. More sure-handed tackling would lead to a higher overall score.

8. D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns

Agility

Coverage

Has nice lateral movements to slide and mirror in coverage, but lacks the ability to turn and run with his man.

Pass Rush

6

Can pull the trigger and fire through gaps, showing a solid ability to close on the football.

Read & React

7

Jackson sees the ball very well and did better in the 4-3 at reading and reacting.

Run Defense

9

Charting Jackson's run defense was incredibly impressive. He showed toughness in the middle, fighting off blocks, and was a sure tackler in the middle of the field. Did a great job playing off his defensive tackles.

Shed Blocks

7

Can be limited in his hand use but showed good strength to keep his legs churning and eventually using his leverage to get out of blocks.

Speed

7

Jackson has enough speed to reach the edge and can be a factor in pursuit.

Strength

7

Has good natural strength and is not limited in what he can or cannot do.

Tackle

7

Let a few tackles go, which drops his efficiency score.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

72

D'Qwell Jackson's game took a big upward turn in 2011 as the Browns moved to a 4-3 defensive scheme. The 240-pounder is tailor-made for the position, showing the instincts, burst and strength to be a lockdown MLB.

7. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

Agility

When healthy, Urlacher still shows elite athletic ability for the position. He's fast, fluid and strong.

Coverage

8

Has the skills to turn and run with tight ends. Does a great job getting depth in zone coverage.

Pass Rush

4

Isn't utilized as often in a pass-rush situation but has the strength and quickness to get to the quarterback.

Read & React

10

There are few better. Urlacher has been known to call out the offense's play pre-snap. His preparation and instincts are top-notch.

Run Defense

6.5

A noticeable regression can be seen in the run game, as Urlacher is making fewer tackles outside the box.

Shed Blocks

7

Has good strength to disengage but will get tied up when running angles.

Speed

7

A few years ago, Urlacher would have been in the 9-to-10 range, but his speed has taken a hit after injuries and age have set in.

Strength

8

Incredibly strong at the point of attack, has high-level strength.

Tackle

6

In anticipation of complaints about this score, we charted Urlacher's tackles. I counted 10 missed tackles last season, giving him a fairly high miss rate.

Health

10

Didn't miss any time in 2011.

Overall

74.5

While the eight-time Pro Bowler continues to be one of the better inside linebackers in the game, Urlacher's not quite playing up to his reputation as an elite middle linebacker these days. Missed tackles and a natural regression of his skill set have led to a sizable drop down the rankings for the Bears great.

6. Paul Posluszny, Jacksonville Jaguars

Agility

Coverage

So much better than we expected. Posluszny does a great job redirecting receivers and tight ends, but he's also physical enough to put a body on them over the middle and limit receptions.

Pass Rush

8

Able to fire off the line and get to the backfield in a hurry. Once there, he knows how to seal the deal.

Read & React

7

There is some room for improvement here, especially on play-action.

Run Defense

6

Has a big body to jump in and take on blockers, but Posluszny needs to do a better job getting to the edge to make plays.

Shed Blocks

7

Has the strength to bang with blockers and disengage to make the tackle.

Speed

6

Can be limited in his efforts to play sideline to sideline.

Strength

8

Shows very good strength in his tackles and when pressing tight ends off the line.

Tackle

8

A wrap-up, form tackler who rarely misses the takedown.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

77

Another product out of Linebacker U in Penn State, serious improvement was noticed throughout the year as Paul Posluszny settled into his gig with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following the Week 9 bye, Poz was one of the best inside 'backers in the game, showing great coverage skills and missing just three tackles in the eight games tracked.

5. Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

Agility

One of the best athletes at the position, Johnson has quick feet and great body control on the move.

Coverage

6

Has the athletic ability to contribute in coverage, but too often he lets his man get behind him.

Pass Rush

8

A natural pass-rusher who does a good job squeezing down on the ball coming through the middle or off the edge.

Read & React

7

Has nice instincts and is quick enough in recognition to line up in multiple locations without getting lost or confused.

Run Defense

10

The 29-year-old took a gigantic step forward in 2011, getting selected to his first Pro Bowl. Johnson became an elite run-defender with his excellent range and good tackle skills.

Shed Blocks

7

Has a natural rip move that lets him keep moving with at least one arm free.

Speed

8

Can close on the ball in a hurry, moves very well for the linebacker position.

Strength

7

Is strong enough to take on blockers when moving but can get pushed off the ball in head-up situations.

Tackle

7

Can struggle to tackle from behind in pursuit. When coming at the ball head-on, or even at an angle, he's lockdown.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

79

It's hard to not be overwhelmed with Derrick Johnson's athletic ability. The Chief is incredibly fluid in space, moving effortlessly to attack the ball on the edge and in coverage. Few linebackers in the NFL rate better at attacking the run on the edge.

4. Brian Cushing, Houston Texans

Agility

An athletic specimen with good balance, footwork and flexibility. Cushing can do it all.

Coverage

7

Has the range of motion to run with receivers or bang with tight ends over the middle.

Pass Rush

10

The delayed blitz was created for guys like Brian Cushing. Has great timing and brings an unstoppable combination of speed and strength on his blitzes.

Read & React

7

Improved his recognition skills when the Texans moved to a 3-4 defense, as it better opened up his line of sight to read the guards and running backs.

Run Defense

7

Shows great range to make plays outside the hashes but could be a stronger presence on inside runs.

Shed Blocks

8

Big enough and strong enough to bounce off blockers. Does a good job ripping through hands.

Speed

9

A blur in the open field, Cushing shows great range and excellent acceleration.

Strength

8

Has always had amazing weight-room strength, which is starting to translate more to the field. Could stand to play with better leverage.

Tackle

7

Was letting tackles slip at times in 2011 but has the strength to improve here with better technique.

Health

10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall

81

Cushing rebounded from a poor 2010 with a monstrous campaign last year, emerging as a leader on the Houston defense and a lockdown inside linebacker. His speed makes everything a possibility—be it coverage, rushing the passer or getting outside to take on the run.

3. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Agility

Shows the flexibility and speed to be a factor athletically. Lewis' agility hasn't dropped off much with age.

Coverage

9

Does a good job locking up tight ends going over the middle. Gets very good depth in his drops.

Pass Rush

6

Struggles to get guards turned to effectively blitz through the A-gap. The Ravens prefer to use him in coverage.

Read & React

10

Lewis has legendary ability to read the offense. He is an instinctive player who is quick to locate the level of the ball and takes good angles to get there.

Run Defense

9

An explosive run-stopper with good strength and instincts, Lewis can shut down the run inside the hashes and still shows the ability to stretch to the flats.

Shed Blocks

10

He does a good job of using his hands to keep blockers off him and keeps working his way to the play.

Speed

8

Has enough speed to close on the ball in space. An explosive runner.

Strength

9

Strong enough to hold his ground against the run, Lewis can contain the best backs in the game with strong arms.

Tackle

9

Is an explosive tackler who shows great snap and wrap on contact but had a handful of missed tackles in 2011.

Health

7

Lewis missed four games last year.

Overall

85

What more can you say about Ray Lewis? He's a sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Fame linebacker who has etched his name in NFL history books. Basing our scouting reports on 2011 alone, Lewis comes in just shy of the No. 1 spot. Historically, there are few—if any—better than Lewis.

2. NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers

Agility

Bowman has excellent change-of-direction skills and the top-level speed to give chase all over the field.

Coverage

7

Does a nice job getting initial depth and plays well with the ball in front of him. Can struggle to turn and run.

Pass Rush

9

The 49ers love to pull the trigger on inside-linebacker blitzes, and Bowman has the quickness to slide through the A-gap and beat down the quarterback.

Read & React

8

Showed exceptional skills for a young player starting for his first full season.

Run Defense

10

Able to lock down the run from sideline to sideline, showing exceptional range and good ability to shed blocks on the move.

Shed Blocks

9

Strong and slippery at the point of attack. Bowman doesn't always overpower blockers but is rarely tied up for long.

Speed

10

Has elite speed and acceleration to the ball. Can run down backs and receivers from behind and close off the edge.

Strength

8

Very good functional strength to take on blockers and stand up ball-carriers.

Tackle

6

The only real glaring weakness from Bowman's 2011 film—he must become a better form tackler. Too often he was going high and missing.

Health

10

Didn't miss any time in 2011.

Overall

87

One of the surprise stars last year, NaVorro Bowman's first year as a starter in San Francisco was a memorable one. Another former Nittany Lion, he is quickly becoming one of the best all-around linebackers in the NFL. The scary part is that Bowman is turning just 24 years old on May 28 and is just starting to realize his potential.

1. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

Agility

Throw out positions—Willis is one of the most athletic players in the NFL. Period.

Coverage

10

Has the speed and agility to keep up with his man over the middle and up the seam. Throwing Willis off track in coverage doesn't happen.

Pass Rush

9

Shows good success in attacking the quarterback through the guard-center gap on delayed blitzes. His burst and aggressive tackling style are a huge asset here in the pass rush.

Read & React

10

Sees the field well, reading the offensive line to determine where the ball is going and making the right calls to get the Niners defense in position.

Run Defense

7

Saw his run defense drop off a bit last season, but some of this was due to teams targeting him and letting NaVorro Bowman run free early in the year. By the playoffs, Willis was once back to form.

Shed Blocks

10

Has textbook form when taking on and discarding blockers, using his arms and hands to create space and then exploding through the blocker.

Speed

10

Willis moves like a running back in space—which is why he's so successful stopping them behind the line of scrimmage.

Strength

10

As strong as any linebacker in the NFL, Willis is impossible to block and strong enough to bring down the best backs.

Tackle

10

A violent, aggressive tackler who rarely misses tackles. Willis has a rare combination of ability here.

Health

8

Willis sat out three games in 2011.

Overall

94

The best of the best, Patrick Willis is among the best overall players in the NFL today. Whether you look at him as an athlete, his intangibles or his statistics, few can hold up to what Willis did in the 2011 regular season and playoffs. As captain of the most dominant defense in the NFL, the five-time Pro Bowler out of Ole Miss is deserving of the high praise and grade he receives here.